I agree completely, with the addition that I don't think this differs much from 2010-on for the first round. In 2010 we were expected to make the playoffs, and people weren't getting too excited for the Senators series, figuring they'd spend their money in the latter rounds. In 2011 with Sid and Geno out and uncertaintly about how the team would perform, seats were easily available. 2012 I had no problem getting seats in the lower bowl despite facing our archrival in round one. So to me, cost and uncertainty of dates are the biggest issues at this moment in time, with the other aspects unchanged since 2009.

The secondary market has been weak all year, at least for me. My usual go-to people for my extra tickets , which are always at cost, are not interested. I fully expected the playoffs would be no different. I think it might change if the Pens reach the ECF and DO well. Otherwise, next year will be the same.

Last edited by Humperdink on Tue Apr 08, 2014 2:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.

They have, and on top of that, the novelty of the new arena has worn off. Between 2007 and 2012, people were fanatical about this team. But with the 2012 first round loss to Philly, combined with the lockout and last year's Boston sweep, you could just feel air rapidly escaping from that big balloon. The Pirates are now the hot bandwagon item in town. Many closet Bucco fans who were jaded by all the losing, and may have turned to the Penguins during the last half decade, are returning to the fold.

Fans are growing perhaps tired of all the injuries, excuses, playoff failures, and high prices. Only an appearance in the finals or a championship would completely rectify this, in my opinion.